This week's guest ushers us into the holidays with wisdom, grace, and laughter.  Grab a cup of coffee and join Lana Stenner and I for a fun chat about raising goats and chickens, the joy of grown kids who still gather around the table, and perspectives that will lead us into the holidays embracing a slower, simpler rhythm. (How good does that sound!?) Lana Stenner is a homesteading, goat-and-chicken raising, garden-growing mom who doesn’t take herself too seriously. Her new book, The Grace-Filled Homestead is irresistible, with the most beautiful photos, delicious recipes, helpful household tips, and wisdom from the farm. In today’s episode we talk about Lana’s journey to becoming a homesteader, family lessons she has learned, and wisdom for facing the holidays in the midst of busy family seasons. Lana also shares about her brain tumor diagnosis, and how that impacted her in the middle of writing a book.  I hope this interview will be a breath of fresh air to you as you enter the holiday season! www.monicaswanson.com/episode-182 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast

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Ep. 182: Preparing for a Grace-Filled Holiday Season, with Lana Stenner

Monica Swanson, author of Boy Mom and Raising Amazing , and blogger at monicaswanson.com, shares encouragement and inspiration for raising amazing kids and building strong families. Monica shares practical advice and biblical wisdom through honest conversations, interviews with experts, and light-hearted humor.

The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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For Christian families in the thick of it, the thought of world missions can seem unrealistic and overwhelming. Many of us feel like we are in survival mode, just taking care of our families and trying to protect our kids from the crazy world. (and that’s all so important!) Yet, in light of the fact that 1/3 of our world has not yet heard the Gospel, Jesus’ words in the Great Commission are still relevant: We are to make disciples of all nations. What do busy families do with that?    Ann Dunagan is with us today to share her story of being a missionary family with seven children! But even more, Ann shares a lot of practical ways we can ALL be “mission-minded” right in the midst of our real lives at home. I think this is such an important conversation, whether mission work has been on your mind, or not (yet)!   Hopefully Ann’s words (and most certainly her enthusiasm) will inspire you to consider how you might raise kids who love God’s Word and His people, and who are ready to say YES to His call, whatever that might look like!    Show notes with links to anything we talked about: www.monicaswanson.com/ann-dunagan   General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast  Looking for new math homeschool curriculum? All of my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math for Bible-based, short-but-thorough science and math lessons, through AP level! They believe it was the best preparation for their college studies in engineering and data analytics. Go to diveintomath to learn more!  The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org   

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Being a Mission-Minded Family, with Ann Dunagan

When I come across a wildly popular influencer who is also raising (and homeschooling) 7 children, and keeping their home and marriage in (seemingly) great order, I can’t help but wonder: HOW DOES SHE DO IT ALL?    Sarah Molitor is one of those people, and in this interview with Sarah, I dive right into my honest questions: When do you sleep? Do you have time for devotions? How about exercise? And really: Do you have help?    Sarah is the author of Well Said (as well as 2 darling children’s books) and she also wrote the foreword to Becoming Homeschoolers. I had so much fun chatting with her in this episode, and her answers inspired me and made me laugh. I hope this very real girlfriend chat blesses you, too.    Show notes with links to anything we talked about: www.monicaswanson.com/sarah-molitor-2  General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast  Looking for new math homeschool curriculum? All of my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math for Bible-based, short-but-thorough science and math lessons, through AP level! They believe it was the best preparation for their college studies in engineering and data analytics. Go to diveintomath to learn more!  The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org 

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The Juggle is Real, with Sarah Molitor of Modern Farmhouse Family

My husband Dave is with me today for a special Mother’s Day/book release interview!  Dave and I are reflecting on the last 25 years of my motherhood journey...highs and lows, what I have learned, and my advice for younger moms. I share about some of my biggest joys of motherhood, (the laughter and fun, and much more!) and some of my greatest challenges (overwhelm, anger, and loneliness.)     We also get to talk about my book that released yesterday (May 7th!) - Becoming Homeschoolers. I share a bit of our homeschool story, how I ended up writing this book, and what readers can expect! Then Dave says a sweet Mother’s Day prayer for all the moms listening! HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!  Note: My publisher has offered to extend my preorder bonuses until the end of the week, so be sure to visit the preorder page if you want to get some really cool bonuses.     BOOK PAGE HERE for bonuses: https://monicaswanson.com/becominghomeschoolers/bonuses/       Show notes with links to anything we talked about: www.monicaswanson.com/mothers-day  General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast  Looking for new math homeschool curriculum? All of my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math for Bible-based, short-but-thorough science and math lessons, through AP level! They believe it was the best preparation for their college studies in engineering and data analytics. Go to diveintomath to learn more!  The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org   

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Highs and Lows from 25 years of Motherhood (and celebrating a BOOK RELEASE!)

Sally Clarkson’s books and podcast have inspired me for years. Living between England and Colorado, Sally’s writing and voice is like a trusted mentor who puts everything in perspective.     I have always hoped to meet Sally so this interview was really special. I got to ask Sally about her heart for parenting, what the rhythms in her home were as her kids grew up, and what led her to homeschooling. (Some of her answers might surprise you!)    I asked Sally about her great relationship with her now-adult children, and I asked her to offer wisdom to those of us still in the thick of parenting. I love this whole conversation and I think you will, too!  Find show notes and links at my website:     www.monicaswanson.com/sally-clarkson    General podcast page: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast    Looking for new math homeschool curriculum? All of my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math for Bible-based, short-but-thorough science and math lessons, through AP level! They believe it was the best preparation for their college studies in engineering and data analytics. Go to diveintomath to learn more!       The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org    

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Parenting, Homeschooling, and Friendships with Grown Kids, with Sally Clarkson

Renowned researcher and bestselling author, Dr. George Barna is with us to share some startling data, along with a passionate call-to-action for Christian parents. This may be the most important episode you could listen to, and I pray that what we talk about inspires you to a deeper level of commitment in your parenting. (Don’t run away – I promise you'll be encouraged!)   Dr. Barna’s recent book, Raising Spiritual Champions, focuses on the importance of raising kids with a Biblical Worldview, and how difficult this is in our world today. Part of the reason it is so difficult is that so few parents have a Biblical worldview. And as Barna says, we “cannot give what we don’t possess.”    Not only do a mere 2% of parents of preteens have a biblical worldview, but only 12% of Children’s Pastors do! Few Christians believe in absolute truth, and most Christians today are “syncretists”, meaning they draw their beliefs from a variety of competing worldviews, religions, and convenient concepts.     Raising children is an exciting opportunity to influence a life, but Barna says it’s also, “a daunting assignment.” Dr. Barna’s research reveals that who our children will be as adults is essentially determined by the age of 13 (their core beliefs, morals, values, desires and lifestyle.)      At the end of the conversation, I ask Dr. Barna to get practical and go through the “Seven Cornerstones” of a Christian worldview.  I hope this is helpful and encouraging. Find those 7 Cornerstones as well as the rest of the links over in show notes:  www.monicaswanson.com/george-barna    General podcast page: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast    Looking for new math homeschool curriculum? All of my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math for Bible-based, short-but-thorough science and math lessons, through AP level! They believe it was the best preparation for their college studies in engineering and data analytics. Go to diveintomath to learn more!       The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org    

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Ep. 182: Preparing for a Grace-Filled Holiday Season, with Lana Stenner

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